Thursday, August 6, 2009

Aah Taj.... Wah Taj

Yes. The high alert is still on. Mumbai is bracing itself for.... for.... I don't know. The cops aren't saying. The silence is ominous. And revisiting the venue that has become a ghastly symbol of the 26\11 terror attacks, is a little like self-inflicted pain. But nothing can keep me away from a hotel that has such a strong connect. The Taj is just not another gracious and grand hotel. It is an emotion. These were my words in an article I'd been commissioned to write by the editor of the Taj Magazine, Fatma Zakaria ( she's the same lady who'd given me my first break as a national columnist by asking me to contribute a weekly piece to the Sunday Times way back in the early eighties - an association that still continues!). Well, it was 'Raksha Bandhan' and my son Aditya did want to treat his sisters.... so, there we were at our old haunt, The Sea Lounge, ordering the best dahi puri, bhel puri and sev puri in the world. Looking around the spacious place we tried to figure out what had changed ( it reopened recently). Got it! It was the people. Sea Lounge was only half full. Before the attacks ( and the recession), it used to be difficult getting a table, especially at lunch. Entering the hotel these days is challenge number one - it is not a pleasant experience given the super tight security measures in place. I guess this puts off people. The Taj has been converted into a fortress, sand bagged extensively, fortified and barricaded, which spooks guests. It is old faithfuls like us, who gamely go along with the triple screening, knowing it is in our own interest.Even so, it is still disturbing to walk into a much loved meeting place and find sections of it closed ( lots of exciting openings and events in the offing later in the year, but as of now, it remains eerily empty ). As we sat at our favourite table and Arundhati decided to indulge herself ( Cafe Viennoise - loaded with calories, but so irresistible!), we watched dozens of tourists on the footpath outside, taking souvenir shots of the hotel. I could see them pointing to the floors that were set on fire, and taking close- ups of the magnificent dome ( how can anyone forget the sight of that dome blazing?). While we were celebrating the festival, Qasab was wondering who would tie a raakhee around his wrist. I mean.... get real. Which woman in her right mind would want Qasab, a mass murderer, as a raakhi brother?? ************************ I've been asked why I have not written about the other Raakhi ( Sawant)? Frankly, she now bores me. Her old spontaniety has been replaced by a certain calculated cunning that I find most unattractive. Besides, I hate being manipulated by these absurd reality shows with their 'fixed' programmes and fake winners. I cannot bear to watch any of them. However, one must hand it to Raakhi - she coyly disclosed her own 'honour code' on camera when she said, she was willing to do anything for money, but she won't 'do that'! Wow. Does one call that a free ride ??

31 comments:

You're a true blue celebrity Ms De - eating chaat at a luxury hotel!!!!It is sad to hear that the Taj seems deserted these days. I guess mere mortals like me will no longer be able to pop in to use the loo after too much walking down the Causeway.

You're right about Rakhi Sawant being boring now. I guess the freshness and "honesty" from her Big Boss days have now been replaced by too much Botox and BS :-) Watch out for her big split with the dude from Toronto soon...I wonder how much they're gonna get paid for that one!

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I feel the same way about the Taj as you do.

It strange that most people grumble about the tight security. Why can't people understand these guys are putting their lives on the line to safeguard us!! Nobody can deny that the Taj staff did exactly that! Even the security guys are polite almost apologetic at times. I make it a point to give the grumblers a cold stare & tell the security guys thank you with a big smile! Ofcourse the cute sniffer dog who once came up with a wagging tail to say hello helped!

Long live the Taj its the most gracious symbol of Mumbai, not just the city but more importanly the spirit of the people! Gracious,beautiful but most of all indomitable!

I have dined just once at Taj... but have been there countless times for their social welfare initiatives. Somehow I can never, and will never develop that kind of affinity for Oberoi/trident. Taj comes with a very desi flavour... What ambanis are trying to be... Tatas genuinely and convincingly are--- A peoples brand.

Terror Tourism is what the government loves to bank on... Im not against it. pain always fascinates more than wellness. Pain always has a story behind it... and hence is glorified. but i just hope this money... goes to the real needy...

I hear that they are planning a statue of chatrapati shivaji at gateway which is taller than the statue of liberty... Why??? What do we prove by doing this? I am not against Chatrapati Shivaji or any revered leader... is a statue the need of the hour??? why not concentrate on stopping people from squatting by building toilets everywhere?? Why not build more loos for women.. it is so sad that men can pee anywhere but women have to wait till their kidneys explode. Why not spend money on beautifying and conserving our spaces... ??

And if at all there should be a statue, why just Chatrapati shivaji??? Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (domestic), Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (International), Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (VT)... id love to have JijaBai's statue there with a child in her arms.. standing taller than statue of liberty.

********************************Rakhi, i used to love her too... until i saw her on TV recently. She was on NDTV with vikram chandra... vikram had to take a break as he couldnt control his laughter...

But I appreciate one thing... She made silliness her brand.. like you had the Sadhna Cut... and helen's cabaret, you have the rakhi's silliness.. thats what she wants.. hate me.. but dare not ignore me.

She wont do "that"??? lol. We as a nation are always sorry for sex... and sorry for being rich... and poverty, piety is a virtue.. Why live in pretension... ??? We aint born to virgins...???hai na... I expected a more explicit Phataka Type answer from Rakhi.. but she was like a pusky bomb..

Once again the government seems to be becoming complacent and everyone seems to be drifting into the usual comfort zone of oblivion. There may be three zone of tight security at Taj but where else? But what about the railway station(s)?

At times like this, writings like Shobha's can be a wake up alarm - and if they do, they have done their job.

Tomorrow definitely Mayavati will build a bigger, most expensive statue of herself to beat all the competition. Rakhi cannot remain the way she was. She is an entertainment industry herself now and then.Taj tragedy had to happen one day or the other. How long the rich can live a cocooned existence cutting themselves from the commuting public?

And do not use the words jealousy or envy. It boils down to poetic justice, the ultimate justice where the rich cannot escape by merely showing off the arrogance of money power. They have to live with barricaded security because the social and political environment gives them loads of opportunities to earn money while disadvantged had to cope with every obstacle to get some opportunity. The system fails the vast majority and thats how the rich become richer while hardly anything trickles down to the needy. The rich use political connections and vice versa and this makes the neglected embrace other avenues out of sheer desperation. This desperation manifests itself in many forms which make even the privileged threatened. Z category security will increase and there will be more fences and barricades.

Thanks for your faith in me. You are right. Yes, i dint read properly... It is in Marine Lines. I was referring to forward an email I received. but that email said something and the article i have linked here says something else. Thanks for correcting me.

This was second post for me today talking about 26/11 and Quasab. I don't understand why our country is treating a terrorist like celebrity ? And on top of it... all the newspapers have to highlight it and print some c**p about him everyday. Ugh! I totally hate it. Anyways...hope you had fun at Taj. :)

Godd I was watching the show everyday to ‘feel better’,,itnee badee drama queen… all those tears n fake sentiments.. Rakhi - I hate my parents (read PARRONTS) but u (groom) MUST love urs as she wl marry the families… eeewwwwwww

Also, I totally agree with ur review of ‘love aaj kal’ took my sister to watch it on RB ///guess it was 2 heavy and complicated wth fewer fun elements.. the story is good but that’s that of it… and the new girl aka harleen loved her…

U shud write abt these so called critics how they gv 4 n 5 stars to the movies..is it they r paid ??

Two main issues I have wth movie (many more) – Rakhi looked far better in her bridal attire thn Deepika’s wedding day in the movie…

Always fail to understand how a husband can b as understanding as Rahul KAhanna in the movie…the only way is that he is GAY lol

Wake up lady, if you have seen the video with Qasab's interview...you'd be stupid to think he must be thinking of Rakhi!! death..family..nothing means anything to the guy.Its ridiculous to see you call Qasab a CUTIE...talk about Shiney Ahuja in flattering terms AND talk so carelessly about the maid.Given what Qasab has done, it disgusts me to see you throw these statements out...your blog ..your views I get all that..and yet a little cognizance isnt too much to ask for is it?

Kasab wants Rakhi to be tied to him? Ok he has two choices, either we tie him up with rakhi sawant and her disappearing swayamvar or we can ties toime bomb rakhi to him and throw him in samundra...Son of the bitch...why cant we kill him? Are we waiting for him to flee or paki' to capture some other plane and ask him back?

I still remember those ghastly images of Taj Domes blazing... and we really cannot blame the management and government for converting it nothing short of a fortress..

But what I fail to understand is the security measures at the Chatrapati Shivaji terminal or for that matter any of the railways stations across India is not as tight as one would want them to be.. so is it we as a country are tired of our population? the sheer number of it makes it easy to forget the lives people lost in not so glorious place as Taj!

Is not it time we start thinking for the security of the 'Aam Aadmi' the common man as well.. who is also worth something for someone..

While one cannot squarely blame the authorities or police for these rogues/terrorists for creating havoc in the City/Country. It is not easy to see through so many of us, though they should have intelligence. Guess they are sleeping on their laurels, thinking that they are still second to Scotland Yard. It's HISTORY. Our Police carrying out various duties, like naka bandhi and checks at railway stations etc. should at least carry out their duties seriously and with a commitment.At each and every Naka band, you will find the Pandus/officers in conversation (yaking) with one another. They are least bothered about their job. In fact they cause so much of inconvenience to the public with these stop overs. There will be only one pandu who oversees all the traffic, as if he is Superman and can see through metal an all.Where ever there is a bunk, the guys will keep their legs up and their arms (not at arms reach)Some carelessly hold their weapons pointing towards the public.The Railway platforms are the best. Most women police staff keep doing their knitting/personal work, or reading the papers. 100% of the time they are on their seat.Like you once said It is only HE up there who is keeping watch over us. Let's be practical. We have to take care of our selves. PRAY.Pray that the Swine flu does not take over, as we have been spared the 24th of July floods. The Authorities are asleep.Cheers.

I will reauest Prannoy Roy and Vikram Chandra to bring their own mother or sister and bring loads of negros from Africa and America for their swyamwar... I am sure it's going to be a big hit in this fast developing morally naked society.

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Well I do appreciate the fact that people still think about the 26/11 and the related events and Quasab and what not...But tell me have you really taken seriously the threat that CHina Provides to India???

The recent aspect of Maps where part of Arunachal Pradesh is shown inside china and the huge huge military movement going in Chinies boarder and the installation of tanks on sikkim border both by china and india....??? The yearly infiltration that Chinese soilder does???

Well sadly India is too obessed with Pakistan who I dont even think are capable of using the nueclear war heads they possess.

and Sadly there is only one Pak Occupied Kashmir but there are many China Occupied Indian territoru like the one in Leh and Ladhak and in Arunachal Pradesh....But sadly where is the awareness among our people of these development.... The tabloid of hating muslims and Pakistanies has I guess blinded Indian public and the psuedo intellectuals too much that people cant even think anything other than that

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